For multiple sclerosis, you may choose to see one or more of the following types of doctors:

Primary care physicianPrimary care refers to general medical care for routine or chronic illnesses, preventive care and minor injuries. A primary care physician is usually the first health care professional to see a patient and is often a familiar doctor that the patient frequently sees. This doctor will examine the patient and can provide a referral to an outside specialist if necessary. The primary care physician, who typically works in private or group practice, may collaborate with other physicians as well as physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners. This allows a patient to see a familiar backup physician or other health professional if the primary care physician is unavailable.

InternistInternal medicine specialists focus primarily on treating adult medical disorders. Despite their name, they treat the whole body, not just the internal organs, and see patients for a variety of conditions and complaints, including multiple sclerosis. Internists give annual checkups and diagnoses, as well as treat and manage acute and chronic illnesses. They also write prescriptions for medications. Preventive medicine and patient education are often emphasized.

NeurologistA neurologist specializes in the treatment of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves. Neurologists examine the nerves of the head and neck, and test muscle strength, balance, memory and other cognitive abilities. These physicians can also conduct diagnostic tests like CAT (computerized axial tomography) scans or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to get a better sense of a patient’s condition. Common diseases neurologists treat are Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. A neurologist will often be the main physician for a patient with multiple sclerosis, and it may be helpful to work with a doctor who specializes in the disease. To get an initial diagnosis, neurologists may run tests for abnormal reflexes or order MRI scans of the brain and spine to get a sense of the disease. To treat the condition, a neurologist may prescribe steroids to decrease the severity of attacks or other medications to slow the progression of the disease. The doctor may also suggest muscle relaxants to reduce pain or spasms.

Speech PathologistSpeech pathologists work with patients who have speech or language disorders. These specialists often deal with communication issues, such as attention or problem solving, in addition to speech, language, swallowing functions and sensory awareness. Speech pathologists generally work with other medical specialists, such as audiologists, to provide care for a patient. A patient with an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis may choose to see a speech pathologist to work through complications of the disorder, which include difficulty speaking, slurred speech, and problems with chewing and swallowing.

Physical TherapistA physical therapist is a specialist who helps patients of all ages regain movement and perform everyday tasks, whether they are limited by injury, illness or other health-related conditions. In addition to this hands-on therapy, a physical therapist may also prescribe drugs for treatment, and also work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility before it occurs. Since multiple sclerosis patients are sometimes unable to move parts of their body, a physical therapist may be able to improve muscle strength through specific exercises and stretches.PsychiatristA psychiatrist is a medical doctor who evaluates and diagnoses mental disorders. Psychiatrists differ from psychologists in their ability to prescribe drugs to treat conditions like depression or anxiety. Psychiatrists can also order brain scans to get a better sense of treatment options. A patient with multiple sclerosis may choose to see a psychiatrist to learn relaxation techniques and coping skills to deal with the disease. A psychiatrist may also prescribe antidepressants to help a patient deal with depression, which is a common complication of the condition.

Occupational TherapistAn occupational therapist helps patients to improve their motor skills and reasoning abilities in order to perform daily activities with confidence. This field draws influence from medicine, psychology, sociology and anthropology to determine and overcome the obstacles to a patient’s occupational development. Since occupational therapists work with individuals who have mental, physical, developmental or emotional disabling conditions, patients with multiple sclerosis may rely on advice from these specialists to make daily living easier to bear.

UrologistAn urologist specializes in the urinary tracts of men and women, and also works with the male reproductive system. Based on the overlap with other fields of medicine, urologists often work with endocrinologists, oncologists and gynecologists. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by urinary symptoms such as urine leakage, the frequent need for urination or the inability to urinate. Since these bladder problems can affect a patient’s quality of life, an urologist may be able to prescribe medications to reduce the symptoms.

Optometrist
Optometrists focus on eye and vision care and provide sight testing and correction. These doctors are the primary eye-care physicians and often fit patients for glasses or contacts. They also may test for eye diseases or abnormalities and then refer patients to specialists for further treatment. Though optometrists may have training in surgical techniques, they often defer to ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors licensed to perform eye surgeries and systemic diseases. An optometrist may be involved in a multiple sclerosis diagnosis by doing eye tests for abnormal pupil responses or problems with the inside of the eye, two indications of the disease. After these initial steps, a patient may work with a more specialized optometrist called a neuro-ophthalmologist, who specializes in visual problems of the nervous system.

Neuro-opthalmologistA neuro-ophthalmologist specializes in the treatment of visual problems or disease related to the nervous system, including brain-tumor related vision loss and optic nerve abnormalities. Vision problems, such as double or blurred vision, are common in people with MS because the disease may affect the optic nerve. A neuro-ophthalmologist is trained in ophthalmology and neurology.

The information contained on www.lifescript.com(the "Site") is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice from your doctor or health-care professional. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Always seek the advice of a qualified health-care professional regarding any medical condition. Information and statements provided by the site about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lifescript does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, third-party products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by Lifescript is solely at your own risk.